The Ornate Pimelodus is a bottom dweller. It can be kept singly of 1 or groups of 3 plus. They are fine with other fish as long as they are too big to be considered food. Fish that could be housed with these fish could include, Arowanas, other Pimelodus catfishes, most peaceful Cichlids, and larger tetras.

There are three broad, dark bands on this sleek, flattened, silver fish. The top band runs from the base of the dorsal fin along the back to the caudal peduncle and and into the upper lobe of the tail. There is a dark matching stripe in the lower lobe. The second band runs below the first, separated by a thick white line. the third, wedge-shaped band runs down from the dorsal fin and ends between the pectoral and pelvic fins. The head it dark grey, and the dorsal fin is white with a distinctive dark blotch.